Debates between Gavin Williamson and John Redwood during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Modernising Defence Programme

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Redwood
Tuesday 18th December 2018

(6 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Redwood Portrait John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con)
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In order to be the architect of modernisation, will my right hon. Friend be bidding for some of the £39 billion Brexit bonus bonanza if we do not pass the withdrawal agreement?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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I could possibly be tempted.

National Security Capability Review

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Redwood
Monday 15th January 2018

(6 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.

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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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Yes. We need to reassure our allies that Britain will continue to play a pivotal role not only in the defence of Europe, but in actions in every part of the world, where we bring unique capabilities—the ability to make a difference, as we have done throughout our history. I am as keen as the hon. Lady to bring the national security capability review to a conclusion, so that we can set out our clear vision for our armed forces. They are the best in the world. We have to continue to invest in them. We are increasing the amount of money we spend on our armed forces, and we need to make sure that the whole world understands our commitment to delivering a global Britain.

John Redwood Portrait John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con)
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The Secretary of State took over in a difficult situation, because there were a lot of vacancies in the armed forces. I was pleased to hear him say that he wishes to bring the totals back up and that that is mainly a recruitment problem, which he thinks he may be able to resolve. Does he have the money in the budget if all those people come forward?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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Yes, we do.